Welcome to Ukraine - Accomodation - Odessa

Every individual, at least once during their life experiences, has a strong desire for change, to swap their everyday routines for new impressions and see the world from a completely different angle. If your visit to Ukraine coincides with such a mood, do not hesitate to go to Odesa, a port city on the Black Sea coast in the south of Ukraine. Here, we promise, you will smile again, since Odesa is among the most life-affirming and cosmopolitan cities in the world and Odesa citizens will tell you themselves! The only nationality recognized in Odesa is that of Odesite. They call their native city simply Odesa-mama. Language is another issue. The Odesan language has long been “independent” from both Ukrainian and Russian. Don’t be taken aback when your question will be answered with another question. You are in Odesa, and it has communication rules of its own!

What is the secret of this “pearl by the sea”? Two hundred years ago, when the city was born, it already had a character of its own. To contribute to the construction of the new city, energetic people from various countries were invited to Odesa, ready for a change and some intrigue. Included among the pioneers were Ukrainians, Russians, Frenchmen, Englishmen, Jews, Moldovans, Greeks, Bulgarians, and many others. Odesa added some local spice to this ethnic “cocktail” and the original nationality of Odesite was born. Odesa was one of the richest cities of the 19th century Russian Empire. In his time, Mark Twain wrote about the Odesa phenomenon in his works.

Today’s Odesa is also trying to succeed and maintains one of the best levels of economic development in Ukraine, while in show business and entertainment the city has no equal in Ukraine. A wide range of sports and recreational facilities concentrated on the seacoast are at your disposal, with restaurants, casinos, and discos lining the route. Much as it was 200 years ago, among Odesa’s biggest treasures are its inhabitants with their effervescent sense of humor. They are always happy to receive guests. The number of festivals, contests and other events held in Odesa annually are impressive. What else will they invent next to grab your attention?

April 1 is an unusual day in Ukraine. April 1 is the “Day of Laughter”. On this day be on your guard, as everyone will try to fool you at work, on the street, or even in the mass media. If someone tells you that your back is all white, just pretend you believe it, and answer accordingly, but don’t remove your jacket! Of course, these are the most primitive jokes, but in Odesa they do more. April 1 in Odesa is a totally different holiday. With a motto that reads “Odesites! Let’s out-laugh all the cities of the world!” the Humorina, a festival of humor, begins in earnest every year. It has been held here for 30 years, and every year Odesa’s inhabitants have something new to surprise their guests with. For example, several years ago a 19th century cannon monument was not content with its status as a mere statue and announced the start of that year’s Humorina with three loud blasts! In the sculpture garden of the Literature Museum, meanwhile, rows of medieval sculptures were joined by a jovial new ensemble, including a monument to Rabinovich, the world-famous hero of Odesan anecdotes, plus other Odesa folklore characters.

If you arrive in Odesa on April 1, you will be immediately absorbed by the holiday spirit. Head for the central street, Deribasovska, and you will see the world turned upside down! Gargantuan dolls and horses, retro automobiles and bikers, real gypsies and heroes of popular books, to name but a few of the characters who will turn the whole city into one gigantic stage. In every corner of Odesa you will find street concerts, quizzes and quick-wit contests. So take your merry mood with you and join the crowd.